10 Best Boot Inserts & Insoles Reviewed & Tested
By Abbie Copeland
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As comfortable as they may, there are circumstances where wearing your running sneakers will be impractical. For instance, plenty of careers have footwear requirements, most likely a tough pair of boots. If you are wearing boots chances are you are being hard on your feet and walking on rough surface all day. We know how important your feet are to you as a runner, and how important it is for you to take care of our them. A good insole or insert can both help protect your feet from unnecessary wear and tear but also help heal and prevent strain based injuries. Below we have compiled a list of the best insoles and inserts to compliment a sturdy pair of boots.
- SOUL Insole
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Our rating - Versatile design
- Price: See Here
- Superfeet Premium Green Insoles
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Our rating - High-arched Insole
- Price: See Here
- Spenco Polysorb Heavy Duty Insoles
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Our rating - All Day Support
- Price: See Here
10 Best Boot Inserts & Insoles
SOUL Insole
Additionally, they can also be used in conjunction with the original insoles of the shoe, if it is removable, by simply placing the Shoe Bubble underneath it. There is a sticky surface to one side, keeping it square in place all day long.
Another great thing about this one, is the fact that is is simple to swap to other footwear, as it's not a full length, eliminating the need to trim and adjust to fit.
Multi-use design
Fairly priced for the value offered
Easy to install and keep clean
Can easily be used in multiple shoes
Not full length
Like the Superfeet Orange, these insoles are free of latex, formaldehyde, nickel sulfate and are vegan.
Cost
Like the Superfeet Orange, Superfeet does not make “cheap” insoles in any sense of the word. You will pay for what you get and the cost, though not small, is a well worth the investment for your feet.
- Organic, all natural
- Great support for high arches
- Relieves common foot pain such as plantar fasciitis and arch pain
- Great for those on their feet all day
- Short break in period
- Not for people whom need minimal arch support.
Spenco Polysorb Heavy Duty
The SpenCore ® heel strike pad has extra cushioning for heavy impact and maximum shock absorption. The SpenCore® located at the front of the insole not only provides cushioning, but energy return.
Cost
A steal. Low price and high quality, especially considering the miles and impact you’ll be able to put on them.
- Low price
- Excellent comfort for high volume usage
- Specially designed for work shoes and boots
- Some felt the foam was too thick.
Sof Sole Airr Orthotic Performance
The top fabric is made out of the moisture wicking COOLMAX®, providing dry and blister free feet.
Cost
Another affordable insole from a brand that knows a thing or two about good insoles.
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Good arch support
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High quality, long lasting
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Good for athletic shoes as well
- Some felt they were a little too thick
Powerstep Pinnacle
The top layer is anti-microbial and reduces friction that can cause blisters and excessive heat. These insoles are best used in tight fitting shoes that have limited space.
Cost
The Powerstep Pinnacle is not the cheapest, but certainly not the most expensive. A good quality, moderately priced insole.
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Aids in plantar fasciitis, heel pain and other foot problems
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No trimming required when moving insoles to different shoes
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Durable
- Some said they were a little too thick for some shoes.
The deep heel cup and biomechanical shape work together to provide support and comfort for your foot. As an added bonus, these insoles are free of latex, formaldehyde, nickel sulfate and are vegan.
Cost
These insoles will run you a little bit more than the others.
- Great arch support, especially for those with higher arches
- Great support and comfort for work shoes and boots
- Works as well as custom inserts
- Not suitable for those with flat feet
Sole Ultra Softec
The Sole Ultra Softec are made from a synthetic moldable material that runners report to be both durable and long lasting.
Cost: While these inserts are pricier than most insole replacements; they are an affordable alternative to personalized orthopedics when you need something that fits your particular needs.
- Customizable molding
- Durable
- Supportive
- Fits well in boots
- Allieviates pain
- Alignment correction
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More expensive than most inserts and insoles
Powerstep Pinnacle
The Powerstep Pinnacle is constructed of synthetic anti-microbial that allows for your feet to breath and reduces the generation of friction and heat which extends the time in which keeping your boots on will be comfortable.
Cost: These inserts are moderately low priced, but it should be noted that some runners needed to replace these insoles a little more frequently.
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Comfortable
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Well suited for boots
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Arch supportive
- Well cushioned
- Aids in healing
- Work well for long term wear
- Breaths well
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May require replacement more frequently than average
Dr. Scholl’s Gel Work
The insole molds to the shape of your foot, but has cooling vents to keep your feet cool and dry.
Cost
Very low price for some serious cushioning and comfort.
- Low price
- Gel cushioning “waves” provide maximum comfort
- Good arch support
- Some people said that the insoles didn’t work well for those with a larger shoe sizes.
ViveSole
These inserts are constructed of lightweight materiel that is antimicrobial to prevent odor and sweat build up. Additionally, the ViveSole is made to be easily washable.
Cost: The ViveSole is an affordably priced quality insert for the runner with an active life looking for an easy way to maintain healthy feet.
- Good quality, very durable
- Specialized for arch support
- Supportive
- Comfortable
- Easy insert
- Provides pain relief to existing foot pain
- May be too firm for some
Before you run out and buy yourself a pair, here are a few things to remember when buying and wearing insoles.
When shopping for insoles, remember, not all insoles are the same. Ask yourself a few questions when looking for an insole. Do you have any foot injuries or problems? Do you have high, normal or low arches? Do you have any pronation issues?
Most insoles have a “break in” in period. It may take a short period of time to get used to wearing them. Try wearing them for a few hours the first day and gradually build up to wearing them all day.
As a rule of thumb, insoles need to be replaced about as often as you replace your running shoes. They last about 300- 500 miles or a year of everyday use. However, results can vary and some quality insoles can last well over a year. How often you replace them may vary depending on brand as well as how often and what you use your insoles for. If you start noticing symptoms of foot fatigue or pain, most likely it’s time to for new insoles.
Above all, for the best advice about your foot and insoles, talk to your podiatrist or doctor to see which insole would work best for you.
Here’s What We Looked For When Choosing The Best Inserts And Insoles For Boots:
They Have To Work As Hard As You Do
When going through countless amounts of user feedback and recommendations, we came across common complaints of insoles that simply didn’t stand up to the heavy use of being utilized in a work or hiking boot. This is why we made sure to compile a list with the most durable and dependable insoles on the market today. When you’re reaching for an insole, it’s because you require more support, cushion, or protection. The last thing that you want is one more thing to worry about when you’re putting your boots through their paces. Let’s take a look at some of the other considerations we made when choosing our picks.
A Strong Heel
The heel is the epicenter of balance and control when it comes to the way your feet function and perform; it’s also where the heel bone and the ankle connect to the muscles in the calves. When evaluating the best insoles for boots, we took a close look at the support system found in the heels, and made sure that they received positive feedback from users that were remaining active for a large majority of the day. It’s easy to forget that our feet contain 33 joints and a total of 26 bones, and the heel does the work of keeping everything moving smoothly. So whether you’re hiking or working in your boots all day, a strong heel is the secret for success.
Reliable Arch Support
Our arches are composed of a small network of five bones, which connect the front of our foot with the back of our foot. If you will be on your feet all day or plan on high endurance activities, if your arches aren’t properly supported, you will have increased fatigue levels and sore feet. According to testers that needed additional arch support, selecting the right insole can make you feel like you are wearing a new pair of footwear and make less work out of strenuous activities. Our buying guide has plenty of insoles with the reliable arch support that will work best for you.
Something For Everyone
Selecting the right insoles is a personal preference that can vary significantly across users; this is why our options are as diverse as possible with all the information that you need to make your decision. For users that need a lot of cushioning for added comfort, to options that are among the most supportive insoles that you can find, there is something for everyone on our list. The key to achieving the comfort that you need is making a selection that is the best match for your needs.
Several Price Points
We know that selecting insoles can be quite confusing; especially when you realize just how many are on the market and how widely their prices can vary. This is why our research is geared towards providing our readers with the information they require to get the most value for their money. Not only does this ensure that you get what you pay for, but it also gives you the piece of mind knowing that you didn’t buy anymore insole than you need. Our focus was on managing pain, increasing comfort, and avoiding unnecessary expenses.
A Good Fit For Most Boots
While going over materials and support levels, it’s easy to overlook the simple fact that these insoles need to fit in your footwear. And when you’re talking about boots, depending on the footwear, there is limited room to work with when adding an insole. We provided selections that can be tailored to fit inside the most cramped of boots to give you the benefits that you need.
Important Things to Consider When Selecting Your Insoles & Inserts For Boots
While we have researched through a wide range of feedback and data when compiling our list, we understand that in order to truly get the most out of your new insoles or inserts, you must make a selection that makes sense for your activity level and how you will be using them. Below you will find some personal factors to take into consideration when making your choice. These insoles should be a smart investment and provide you with the most tailored amount of cushion and protection. In addition, our guide is provided with the goal in mind on helping you select your perfect match, and not simply going for the most expensive option.
Make Sure Your Arches Gets The Proper Support
If you’re experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort at the end of the day and don’t know why, take a look at the bottoms of your feet. It may be that you’re arches aren’t getting the support they need. If you have flattened or low arches, you’re going to need the highest levels of arch support offered. Our buying guide is jam packed with selections that take this into account. It’s crucial that your foot doesn’t flatten out when you step. This will keep pressure off of your heel and give you a lot more comfort that lasts longer. A simple self evaluation can help you identify your arch type and make the right selection.
Don’t Put Up With The Wrong Boot
While our guide is geared towards helping you make the proper selection that is right for you, it’s important to keep in mind that your footwear may be causing you significant problems. Some feedback indicated that there is a misconception that boots are typically uncomfortable and restrictive, when that simply isn’t the case. Choose a boot that matches your activity and gives your feet plenty of room to move. Everyone’s feet slightly swell after strenuous exercise or after a long day, so you’ll also want to make sure that you get the right size. Not the size that you are at the beginning of the day, or in the department store.
Evaluate Your Stance
Stand with your toes pointed forward and your feet slightly apart. Take a look at your stance and how much weight is being placed on each leg. There may be slight inward rolling, which is quite common. This will aid you in making the best selection for you. Make sure that your selection offers some sort of correcting to ensure that your steps and nice and even, helping your endurance levels and even slowly correcting the way you walk.
Don’t Give Up
We at Runnerclick.com place significant importance on matching our readers with the right equipment, accessories, and footwear for them. When we were evaluating feedback for insoles in general, we found that sometimes testers were discouraged by not finding the right one for them the first time around. If this happens to you, remember that it’s common and insoles can be tricky to properly match. After you’ve read up on the things to consider, take your time and choose those properties that matter to you, not flashy colors or gels. The right insole is out there, just because you don’t find it on your first go, doesn’t mean that you should stop looking.
Know About Plantar Fasciitis
If you have persistent heel pain, make sure to evaluate yourself for Plantar Fasciitis to ensure that you are selecting the right insoles for you. We have also included a guide to helping you along your way, the good news is that you can recover from it on your own with the right technique. Look out for the options that specifically mention Plantar Fasciitis in their description and you will have a strong first line of defense against the condition.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions that most runners encounter when making their decision. Hopefully, they will help you along your way when you are making your decision.
Q: How do I find the right size insole for my feet?
A: Most of these insoles run true to size, therefore just select your normal shoe size and go from there. To be sure before you insert them into you shoe, stand on them outside of your shoe to ensure that they cover your foot from heel to toe. This is also a great time to make sure that the heel is snug and secure. Another tip for a better fit is to remove your current insole and place the new one over it, trimming away any tiny differences that you come across.
Q:How do I select the best insoles for standing on my feet all day?
A: You’ll want to look into the toughest options, the sturdiest insoles with the most cushioning is the best place to start. If it is an option, remember that inserts are meant to be easy to slip in and slip out, so having a separate pair of insoles for your non-work or running time will lead to less wear on both pairs and more comfort in the long term.
Q: How do I know when it’s time to replace my insole?
A:The assumption is that normally an insole should last you as long as your shoe will last. Considering that boots are meant to be particularly sturdy, they will endure long after your average pair of shoes. So it is likely that a pair of boots will also long out last a pair of insoles. it may come down to your own personal assessment of the insert or insole. If either of them start to feel uncomfortable then it probably a good time to change the insert or insole out.
Q: What’s the biggest advantage of gels versus foams?
A: A gel insert is more likely to be comfortably padded and cushioned as well as cost a little more. Contrarily, a foam insert will be more rigid and probably cost less. While cost is an important factor for every buyer, it is important to consider your support and comfort needs when choosing between the two materials.
We took a meticulous and detailed approach to collecting the insole and insert selection on this list along with the accompanying helpful information. Runnerclick is dedicated to providing these services because we know that the support and relief that inserts provide will be a real life saver for a long suffering runner. We hope that you found all this information helpful for you in making the best choice to suit your needs.
Here are some sources we used while conducting our research
It’s important to use a plethora of sources to ensure quality information. We like to utilize trusted clinical partners and manufactures when providing our readers with the most up-to-date statistics found in all our buying guides. We are also very interested in taking what everyday users have to say about specific products, and we perform our due diligence to make sure that quality research goes into every guide. Here are some sources which helped us with this guide:
Sources
- , APMA, Medical Website,
- , Amazon, Product Reviews,
- , WebMD, Clinical Website,
- , Men’s Journal, Fitness and Lifestyle Website,
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